Northern Portugal Travel Guide - By a Local
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Northern Portugal is one of five main regions in mainland Portugal, sitting between Spain's Galicia and the Central Portugal cities of Coimbra, Aveiro, or Guarda. It stretches from the coastal areas of Viana do Castelo and Douro to the folksy cities of Trás-os-Montes.
While it has an area of just 21,000 kilometers, Northern Portugal feels like a country of its own: it's a great tourist destination because it encompasses everything from beautiful cities and beaches to idyllic natural parks and mountain sites.
Most importantly, though, Northern Portugal is a place with a unique vibe. I was born and have lived in the region for decades now, and I can assure you that Northern Portugal is where you'll find the nicest, most authentic, and—sometimes—most intense of the Portuguese people.
Culture-wise, it offers an amazing variety of options, with attractions ranging from phenomenal historic monuments to quirky local-dining experiences.
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Table of Contents
What counts as Northern Portugal? Where is it?
How long to spend here
When to visit
How to get to Northern Portugal
Where to base yourself
Transportation and how to get around
Is Northern Portugal expensive? Average travel costs
Paying for things and using credit cards
Things to do in Northern Portugal
Best places to visit
Nightlife and festivals in Porto
Restaurants to try in Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal itineraries - from 5 days to 2 weeks
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What counts as Northern Portugal?
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, (WT-shared) Shaund, Rei-artur, Joan M. Borràs, Voll, SelfieCity, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the far north of Portugal, Northern Portugal’s entire northern and eastern boundaries are bordered by Spain. From north to south, the region stretches from Viana do Castelo at its northernmost point until just before Aveiro, at its southern tip.
Its western border runs all along the Atlantic Ocean, and is known for the lovely beaches dotted along the “Costa Verde”. Heading inland to the east, you’ll eventually reach the remote and charming Trás-os-Montes province (literally meaning “behind the mountains”), with its lovely cities like Bragança, Guarda, and Chaves, and forgotten-in-time villages.
The exact borders of Northern Portugal can vary depending on the context and administrative divisions used, but no matter who you’re talking with, the region always includes the following areas: the North region (from Porto to Aveiro), the Douro region (the river valleys along Porto and Viseu), the Minho region (Viana do Castelo and Braga), and the Trás-os-Montes region (Vila Real and Bragança).
Northern Portugal is geographically different from other regions of Portugal due to its varied topography (from mountainous areas like Serra da Estrela, to the coastal plains along the ocean), extensive Douro-style river valleys, temperate maritime climate, and incredibly diverse and green vegetation. This is by far the most lush and verdant of Portugal’s mainland regions.
Northern Portugal also has a strong agricultural heritage, with everything from vineyards and olive groves to traditional, small, family-run farms.
How long to spend in Northern Portugal
To make the most of your time in Northern Portugal, you will need a minimum of 7 days, or one week. Even though Portugal isn't a big country, some of the must-visit sites in the North (especially the beaches and the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park) are best enjoyed with some free time in hand.
Getting to know Porto will take you at least two days; five days to visit other interesting, surrounding areas in Northern Portugal is the bare minimum.
Fourteen days, or two weeks, is the ideal amount of time to spend in Northern Portugal. This way, you will be able not only to visit several important attractions but also to relax at both the beach and the mountain.
Yes, I know some tourists don't like wasting their time! But trust me: relaxing in Northern Portugal is a way of life, not a waste of time, and it's something you ought to do regardless of your country of origin.
Nevertheless, one week should be enough for you to get to know most of the must-visit locations in the area, as it takes less than 2.5 hours to drive all the way from Bragança (the northern-, interior-most city in the region) to Porto.
Best time to visit Northern Portugal
The best time to visit Northern Portugal is in the summer, as the region can get annoyingly rainy in the winter. Sure, summer is the busiest period of the year when it comes to the number of visitors, but that's hardly a coincidence.
The opportunity to enjoy the sun, go to the beach, and comfortably camp in Gerês undoubtedly makes up for the occasional long lines and inflated hotel prices.
If you can't visit Northern Portugal in the summer, however, you shouldn't just stay home! In the spring, average temperatures in the North range from a comfy seven to 19 degrees Celsius, which many people would consider to be warm.
In the autumn and winter, it's harder to avoid the rain and the cold, but you can still do lots of cool things such as visiting historic monuments, eating at fine restaurants, and experiencing a cozy rural escapade.
How to get to Northern Portugal
The map of Portugal looks like a rectangle, right? Well, if you divide that rectangle by four and select the northernmost division, you will (roughly) get Northern Portugal. The best way to get there, regardless of your country of origin, is to travel to Porto either by airplane or bus.
With a busy airport and an endless array of affordable flights, Porto is accustomed to welcoming tourists from all around the world. Spanish visitors may find it easier to book a Flixbus from Barcelona, Madrid, or Vigo, but buying a cheap flight from your place of residence to the Sá Carneiro Airport is usually the ideal starting point for a Northern-Portugal adventure.
The cost of flights to Porto varies extensively depending on several factors, but bus-ticket prices are relatively stable. With Flixbus, you can travel from Paris to Porto (for example) for about 150€. A ticket from Barcelona will cost you roughly the same, while tickets from Amsterdam and Frankfurt are priced anywhere between 200€ and 250€.
Similarly to Porto's, Lisbon's airport is a cheap-flight galore, and another great option for people looking to explore Northern Portugal. Bus tickets from Lisbon to Porto can cost as little as 8€ (especially if you get them online at the Rede Expressos website/app), while a Lisbon-Porto train ticket costs an average of 30€.
Where to base yourself
Porto
Northern Portugal is best explored on a road trip where you hop between cities, towns, and natural areas, staying in each place for only a day or two. This is such a diverse region, and if you want to really get a taste for it, exploring the big cities, the coast, the wineries, the little villages, and the beautiful nature, you really need to be prepared to move about regularly.
While changing hotels every other night can be a bit tiresome, doing this will cut down on long drives (including retracing your steps back to the same place every day) and give you a chance to see much more. If you’re ok packing and unpacking your bags a lot, a well-organized road tripping itinerary is absolutely the way to go.
Best multi-day bases: Porto and Braga
Alternatively, if you find this to be an unsuitable solution, my recommendation would be to set your base either in Porto or Braga (or a few days in both, if you’ll be staying in northern Portugal for more than just a couple of days).
Both cities boast the best, most-complete selection of accommodation, fantastic dining options, and nice nightlife. In addition, they're remarkably close to many of the best non-urban attractions in the area.
Unlike Porto, which is bursting with life, Braga is a city that takes just 2-3 days to get to know in its entirety. In other words, you should base yourself in Porto if you plan to explore Porto and base yourself in Braga if you're simply looking for a convenient place to sleep and easily access other relevant sites in Northern Portugal.
If you're staying in Porto, you can get to the beaches in Vila Nova de Gaia and Viana do Castelo in less than two hours, and the Douro Valley is also well within your reach as a day trip.
From Braga, you can easily get to Porto, Guimarães, and the must-see Peneda-Gerês National Park in less than one hour.
Some other good options
Outside of Porto and Braga, I recommend booking a stay in Vila Real (1-3 days) for exploring the cities in the interior of the region. The Douro wine region (2 days) for an idyllic and romantic getaway.
Mondim de Basto (1-2 days) for visiting the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park (camping is also an option). And Viana do Castelo (up to 4 days) for enjoying the local beaches.
Transportation and how to get around
Renting a car
When I was born, in the early '90s, the cities in Northern Portugal were mainly connected by a neglected national road and a series of small backroads. Fortunately, things have changed for the better now. The A3 and A4 highways, connecting, respectively, Porto to Vigo and Porto to Bragança, make it more painless than ever to travel by car in Northern Portugal.
Even so, for the best experience, you should plan on renting car for your Northern Portugal adventure. Having a car will not only make it substantially easier to get around, it will also allow you to visit some little-known cities and natural sites that can be incredibly hard to reach via public transportation.
Where to book a rental car
In Portugal, you'll find all of the big international car rental companies. The most popular are Europcar, Avis, Sixt and Hertz. However, you’ll also find plenty of local providers.
You’ll find rental agencies in all decent-sized cities, airports, and busy train and bus stations. You’ll also sometimes find them in smaller towns that are popular with tourists. Porto generally has the biggest selection of cars, but you’ll also find agencies in Braga, Guimarães, and plenty of other cities.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars, a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
Traveling by bus
That's not to say you must have a car to explore Northern Portugal. There are many buses and even trains connecting the cities in the region, and Portugal's public transportation system (albeit far from flawless) is pretty decent.
For buying bus tickets, the Rede Expressos app and website is the best option. Rede Expressos is Portugal's busiest and most comprehensive national express coach network and offers extensive coverage in Northern Portugal. In shortage: if you need to go somewhere in Northern Portugal, you will probably end up taking the bus.
Bus rides connect the largest cities in Northern Portugal (Porto, Braga, Vila Real, and so forth) to both one another and most other possible destinations. Some Rede Expressos buses even stop in small towns and villages without a central bus station, much like inner-city buses would.
On that note: please do not confuse inter-city buses with inner-city buses. The first cover medium-sized travels between different cities, while the latter cover different destinations in the same city.
The tickets for inter-city buses are normally more expensive (anywhere between 4€ and 25€) and need to be bought beforehand, while the tickets for the inner-city buses cost around 2€ and can be bought directly at the bus.
If you're planning on traveling by bus from a big city like Porto to a small town without a central station, I recommend visiting the station before departure and talking in person with one of the ticket sellers to learn more about the best available options.
While Portugal's express coach network is very well-connected, traveling to less-known destinations sometimes requires catching more than one bus.
Where to buy bus tickets
I always recommend buying directly with the service provider when possible, but if you’re not sure which company has your routes, BusBud is an online aggregator that shows routes from various different companies. Buying tickets through the site costs a tiny bit more than booking direct, but their website is easy to use and it’s convenient.
Traveling by train
To travel by train, you’ll want to check on the official state train company, Comboios de Portugal, to find the complete list of destinations and schedules available. The busiest cities in the region (such as Porto and Braga) are well-connected, but many less-known locations in Northern Portugal are simply not accessible by train.
Overall, train tickets (with few exceptions) are a little bit more expensive than bus tickets.
For quick trips inside the same city, please keep in mind that, apart from Porto, Braga, and Vila Nova de Gaia, it can be hard (or even impossible) to ask for a Bolt or Uber ride. This is another good reason for renting a car for the trip.
Where to buy train tickets
I always recommend booking train tickets direct with Comboios de Portugal.
Is Northern Portugal expensive? Average travel costs
Compared to other European countries, Portugal is a relatively cheap tourist destination. Every year, the country gets flooded with visitors from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom looking for affordable hotels, low-priced meals, and all-you-can-drink beer.
But since you can never be too prepared, take note of the following average prices:
Price per night at a hotel: 25€ to 80€
Price per meal: 8€ to 25€
Price per beer: 1€ to 3€
Price per bus/train ticket (short destination): 3€ to 10€
Price per bus/train ticket (long destination): 10€ to 25€
Price per day for renting a car: 30€
Price for a same-city taxi ride: 15€ to 30€
Price for a tourist tour: 18€ to 100€
Price for visiting museums and other cultural sites: 0€ to 25€
Connect with Leonor, our Porto-based local expert, for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!
Paying for things and using credit cards
Card and cash are the best and most widely-accepted payment methods in Northern Portugal. You can use a debit or credit card to pay in most places and withdraw money from the ATM to pay in small shops and restaurants.
Most cities in Northern Portugal have a good number of ATMs and—except for the more-local businesses—pretty much every establishment accepts card payments. Nonetheless, you should have cash with you at all times.
If you're a Revolut user, please keep in mind that not all Portuguese shops accept Revolut card payments.
Things to do in Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal is a relatively well-known tourist destination, perhaps mostly for the city of Porto and the region’s rich wine tourism offerings. But there's much, much more to the North than just that!
Here, visitors will find abundant natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, amazing gastronomy (from Porto's famed Francesinha to the traditional codfish casserole), and many coastal attractions, including some stunning beaches.
Outside of Portugal, the North is also known for its street festivals and events (like Porto's São João), for the warm hospitality of its people, and for being a great value from a financial perspective, at least when compared with other Mediterranean destinations such as Spain and Italy.
Here are some of the coolest things you can do while visiting this region:
1. Explore the vibrant city of Porto
Porto is Northern Portugal's must-see city because it boasts a unique combination of cosmopolitan features, historic monuments, and folksy experiences. Taking a stroll to the Luís I Bridge to get a glimpse of the stunning view is almost mandatory, but there are other things to enjoy in the city.
I would also recommend enjoying the local delicacies at the street market of Bolhão, visiting the stunning contemporary art museum of Serralves (Porto's own Palace of Versailles), enjoying the beautiful gardens of the Crystal Palace, and trying Lado B's delicious Francesinha.
2. Visit charming little towns and villages
There's no shortage of quirky little towns in Northern Portugal, but I believe Guimarães and Ponte de Lima are among the best. Guimarães is known for its beautiful historic center, one of the best-conserved in the country. It has the air of an old medieval town, but with tasteful renovations that accommodate a series of restaurants, small shops, and bars.
Ponte de Lima is even smaller, and it's split in half by the gorgeous Lima River. The town is known for its local cuisine but also happens to be one of the best places in the North to try outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, or canoeing. Canoeing is kind of huge in Northern Portugal, especially in the riverside towns along the Lima and Cávado rivers.
Besides Guimarães and Ponte de Lima, there are many other charming little towns to get to know in Northern Portugal, especially if you're okay with venturing into the country's interior. I recommend paying a visit to Ponte da Barca (another beautiful city bisected by the Lima River), Amarante (a lovely small town just 60 kilometers away from Porto), and Lamego (a slice of heaven next to the Douro wine region).
3. Hit the beach!
While beachgoers typically focus on the Algarve or the Troia Peninsula, Northern Portugal is a beach destination to! The cities of Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Gaia boast the best white-sand beaches in the area.
For Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia da Âncora and Afife are my favorites. The first is quite busy and surrounded by many cafés and restaurants, while the latter is more appropriate for beachgoers who enjoy being on their own.
The beaches in Vila Nova de Gaia are just as good and can even be conveniently accessed via Porto. There are countless beaches to get to know in the Vila Nova de Gaia region, but I would recommend visiting Miramar (in which you can find a unique ocean-side chapel) and Maceda.
Close to Ovar, Maceda is a little-known beach surrounded by a lush forest. It's also one of the few beaches in the North that allows for nudism (in case that’s something you’re interested in!)
And there are still more beaches: stretching all the way from the mouth of the Minho River to the Douro, the Costa Verde is a famous Northern-Portugal coastal region that's filled with stunning beaches. The most popular include Póvoa do Varzim and Esposende, but Moledo (Caminha) and Fão-Ofir (Caminha) should also be on your list.
4. Camp in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only national park in Portugal and it’s located in the northwestern part of the country, primarily in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions. It is known for its exceptional natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
I recommend camping anywhere near the Pisões region and exploring one of the many available hiking trails (most of which are incorporated into the Camiño de Santiago trails). If you like birdwatching, Gerês offers more than 20 birdwatching hikes, out of which the Miradouro da Pedra and Cascata da Rajada trail is one of the best.
5. Get out into nature along Northern Portugal's rivers
Even though Gerês is the only national park in Portugal, the North region is quite rich in terms of outdoor experience offerings. Services such as Centro Aventura and Natural Habitat Adventures offer immersive (and sometimes extreme) outdoor tours that include biking, paintballing, and paddling in the Vez and Lima rivers.
Kayaking is also kind of huge in Northern Portugal, and Natural Habitat Adventures has a fine tourist pack that includes kayaking the Douro River by day and feasting at classic vineyard states by night—it's quite the ultimate Douro-River experience!
6. Visit historical sites in Braga
Braga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its origins dating back to 20 BCE. A former Roman city (known as Bracara Augusta back in the day), Braga was subsequently influenced by the Visigoths, the Moors, and, most crucially, the Christians. It's no coincidence it's the European city with the most churches per square meter…
Needless to say, Braga is the place to go to visit Christian monuments! The most impressive, in my opinion, are the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and the Monastery of Tibães.
7. Enjoy rural ecotourism in the Douro Region
Visiting Northern Portugal and snubbing the gorgeous river valleys of the Douro Region is borderline criminal. If you're a fan of rural ecotourism, I would recommend spending some time away from the city at the lavish Quinta de Casaldronho in Lamego.
In addition to relaxing at the hotel and trying some local gastronomic delicacies, you can take part in the wine activities and experience firsthand what it feels like to take part in a real wine harvest.
Other ecotourism activities in the region include enjoying a picnic overviewing the Douro River at Quinta da Roêda, taking a nine-hour jeep tour of the valley (check out LivingTours for this one), and taking a one-hour boat trip to Pinhão using the "rabelo," a type of traditional boat from Northern Portugal.
Alternatively, why not explore the region by car? The N108 national road is perhaps my favorite national road in Portugal, and the N222 national road is equally beautiful. Peso da Régua, and Caldas de Aregos in particular, are definitely worth a visit.
8. Have fun just like a local
You can mingle with welcoming Portuguese people pretty much anywhere in Northern Portugal, but Viana do Castelo is the place to go if you want to have fun in true Northern Portugal style.
If you're visiting Viana do Castelo during the summer months, you have to try Viana do Castelo's Santoínho. Going to this traditional "arraial minhoto" involves paying a small entry fee and then drinking as much wine and eating as much food as you can; naturally, there's also traditional music playing all night long. Esposende's Quinta da Malafaia is a similar alternative.
9. Party hard at São João
São João is Portugal's midsummer day, celebrated every 24th of June. It's a massive street party traditionally hosted by the cities of Porto and Braga. If you're visiting Northern Portugal in June, going to São João is something you ought to try!
What makes São João more fun than most traditional street parties around is the fact that people politely use plastic hammers to smash each other in the head. It's the perfect occasion to meet nice locals and enjoy an immersive party experience.
10. Take a wine tour
Can you really visit Northern Portugal and not go on a wine tour? You can, but you will probably feel like you're missing out! There are countless fabulous wine tours in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, and I believe the ones in Gaia are particularly commendable.
The Cálem and Graham's Lodge wine tours are bonafide tourist classics, but they're approved by locals nonetheless (especially if you're looking for a romantic experience).
11. Listen to Fado music in Vila Nova de Gaia
Fado, a mournful style of folk music typical to Portugal, is most commonly associated with Lisbon. However, it's also alive in the North! The Fado Português restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the best Fado houses in the country, and the best I know outside of the capital.
Listening to some live Fado music while trying some local delicacies is as Portuguese as Portugal gets.
12. Experience an authentic "arraial minhoto" celebration
Speaking of "getting Portuguese," why not embrace the Portuguese lifestyle by attending the traditional Santoínho in Viana do Castelo? You just have to pay a small entry fee (sometimes as low as €10) and you get to eat and drink anything you want for a whole night!
What to expect from a traditional "arraial minhoto?" Lots of music (most of the time played with the accordion), laughter, and red wine. If you like to have fun, you cannot miss out on Santoínho; admittedly, though, it may not be the best experience for vegans and vegetarians.
13. Try the delicious local food
If Northern Portugal was but an arid desert with nothing but cafés and restaurants, I would still recommend a visit—that's how good the local food is! During your stay, you should add the following dishes to your list of must-try foods:
Francesinha, which consists of layers of cured meats (such as ham and linguiça), steak, and sometimes sausage, all sandwiched between slices of bread;
Bacalhau à Brás, in which the codfish is shredded and cooked with onions, straw potatoes, garlic, eggs, and parsley;
Arroz de Cabidela, a traditional dish made with poultry (often chicken or rabbit) and rice, cooked with a sauce made from the animal's blood and vinegar;
Caldo Verde, which is a unique soup made with kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes chorizo;
Alheira, a dish from the Minho region typically made from a mixture of meats, bread, and garlic, and it's often served pan-fried or grilled;
Leitão Assado (roasted piglet): a delicacy from the Bairrada region in which the pig meat is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper and slow-roasted to perfection.
Just keep in mind that traditional Northern Portuguese food isn't always the most healthy, so don't forget to mix in some vegetable soups and salads!
Best places to visit in Northern Portugal
1. Porto
I grew up in Northern Portugal, and Porto grew up with me. Porto evolved from a relatively decayed urban center into a beautiful, gentrified European city in less than a decade. It’s now filled with tourists from all over the world. Don't be fooled, though: there's a reason (well, many!) behind all of the hype.
Next to the Luís I Bridge, you'll find one of the most gorgeous sightings in Portugal. At the Bolhão Market, you'll get to taste the best food and wine the city offers.
Next to the famous Ribeira, you'll see firsthand how the old and new Porto combines into a charming succession of tight streets and just-opened expat restaurants. And while you're at it, you can enjoy the opportunity to explore and get to know some of the locals.
Porto deserves your full attention. No visit to Northern Portugal would ever be complete without passing through its largest and most iconic city, so please make sure you have at least two days (the weekend would be a great choice) to get to know it.
2. Braga
Before moving to Porto, I lived in Braga, the second-largest city in Northern Portugal. Braga is known for its centuries-old churches and pleasant historical center, which still boasts many traces of the city's Roman heritage. But there's more to Braga than a glorious past...
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, for example, is one of the best places in all of Northern Portugal to spend a fun sunny afternoon, especially if you're traveling with small children.
In addition, the Braga Cathedral is a must-visit monument for history buffs. Also known as Sé de Braga, it was—believe it or not—built around 45 AD and is still standing! The monument is so old that it gave way to the local expression "Older than the Sé de Braga" (when referring to something that's very, very old).
In recent years, Braga has been deeply changed by the arrival of thousands of Brazilian immigrants, which have revamped the city's vibe. Today, there are so many Brazilians in Braga that the place is sometimes affectionately referred to as "Braguil," a combination of the words "Braga" and "Brazil."
For a complete guide to Braga, check out our Braga city guide.
3. Guimarães and Ponte de Lima
Small towns are the bread and butter of Northern Portugal, and some are just too beautiful to ignore. Every time I visit either Guimarães or Ponte de Lima, I immediately feel like a local. Everything about these small towns, from the people to the medieval-inspired architecture, boasts a rustic, typical, and welcoming vibe.
Guimarães has arguably one of the cutest historic centers in all of Portugal and is filled with beautiful monuments such as the Guimarães Castle (the place where Portugal was born). The Largo da Oliveira is perfect for enjoying a nice lunch or having a cold beer at night.
And even though Guimarães derives its charm from its centuries-old building, the city has plenty of modern cultural attractions. One of the best? The elegant Vila Flor Cultural Center, where you can experience some well-curated live music.
Ponte de Lima is, in a way, quite similar to Guimarães: it's also a very small historic center with welcoming people, nice food, and very old (usually restored) buildings.
The difference is that Ponte de Lima sits around the Lima River margins, next to which you can enjoy a nature walk, a beautiful bike ride, or a refreshing swim. Ponte de Lima is quite amazing in the summer, especially if you're looking for the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon.
While at Ponte de Lima, don't miss your chance to try some delicious caracóis. Caracóis are essentially snails, but they're cooked Portuguese style, with a fatty but irresistible butter-and-herbs sauce that goes really well with warm bread.
4. Douro Valley wine region
Any trip to Northern Portugal should include a visit to the Douro Valley. Only a few hours from Porto, the area is known for its beautiful vineyards, world-class wine, and - as usual in Northern Portugal - excellent food.
Probably because of all of that, the Douro wine region is also perfect for a romantic getaway.
If you're traveling with your loved one, explore one of the many fantastic hotels in the region by booking a room for 1-2 nights of passionate wine-drinking, delicacy-eating, and lovemaking.
I was there with a very special girl once: the relationship didn't last, but I will never stop cherishing those sweet Douro DOC memories!
If you won’t have a car but are hoping to get out into the valley, I’d recommend booking a full-day private tour for the best experience.
5. Vila Nova de Gaia and Viana do Castelo
Vila Nova de Gaia
Viana do Castelo
Portugal is a beach country, and some locals find the Northern Portugal beaches to be too windy and cold for their exquisite taste. In my opinion, this is a clear example of how Portuguese people can be spoiled! While the Northern Portugal beaches are not as comfy as the ones in Algarve, they still have everything beachgoers could hope for.
If you're planning on catching some sun during your stay in Northern Portugal, the must-visit cities are Vila Nova de Gaia and Viana do Castelo. Both offer a tremendous selection of beautiful, close-to-the-city beaches that are worth visiting.
To go to Vila Nova de Gaia, you just need to cross the bridge from Porto. The two cities overlook one another, and while Porto is a metropolitan wonder, Vila Nova de Gaia feels like a suburban slice of heaven where all families need to do to enjoy a day on the sand is catch a 15-minute train to the coast.
All the classic Vila Nova de Gaia beaches (such as Madalena, Cabedelo, and Marbelo) are pretty beautiful, but I have two little-known summertime recommendations for you around the area:
The first is the phenomenal Maceda beach, technically located in Ovar, which sits just half an hour outside of Vila Nova de Gaia but feels like lightyears away from the city. Surrounded by a lush forest, Maceda is perfect for doing some impromptu camping.
The other one is Marecos, technically a riverside beach, which is really close to Vila Nova de Gaia and has one of the best beach bars I've ever been to. In addition to great food, they host great live shows of traditional Portuguese that attract mostly locals.
Less busy than Vila Nova de Gaia, Viana do Castelo is—in my opinion—where you'll find the best Northern Portugal beaches. Yes, they can be windy, but don't let that take anything away from the experience.
My top recommendations are the Afife beach (in which sometimes you can swim in a shallow river that meets the sea right at the sand) and the Vila Praia de Âncora beach, which is a little busier but surrounded by many fine (and mostly cheap) local-dining restaurants.
6. Peneda-Gerês National Park
Photo: Ernesto X. Paz via Flickr.
One of the best things about living in Northern Portugal is that you're always one or two hours away from the Peneda-Gerês National Park. If you're an outdoorsy person who loves to be surrounded by nature, this is a must-visit location.
If possible, you should stay at Gerês for at least four to five days, as there are many great camping locations in the area.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is great for hiking and is filled with dreamy dams where everybody can enjoy a refreshing swim. There are also many tiny villages to get to know, where usually fewer than a few hundred people live.
In the area, the largest urban site is Montalegre, which hosts an amazing Friday 13th party. Whenever the 13th day of the month happens to be on a Friday, the small town organizes a paganesque pre-Halloween celebration with everything from witch impersonators to "dead wine," a specific kind of wine that's aged beneath the ground for years before consumption.
Any camping park in Gerês is worth your time, but I recommend spending some days next to the Pisões area.
7. Trás-os-Montes
The town of Montalegre in the Trás-os-Montes region of North Portugal. Photo: Turismo En Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The lush green forests and dreamy lakes and rivers of the Peneda-Gerês National Park are something you won't find anywhere else in Northern Portugal. However, Gerês is far from being the only must-visit natural park in the region.
If you're into hiking and other outdoor sports, you should definitely check out the Alvão Natural Park in Trás-os-Montes.
Trás-os-Montes is not as touristic as Porto or the Douro wine region, but it's filled with little-known treasures such as the medieval villages of Miranda do Douro and Mogadouro.
For exploring Trás-os-Montes, I recommend booking a place in Vila Real, a modest but serviceable city with plenty of shops and restaurants.
8. Chaves and Marco de Canaveses
Photo: Vitor Oliveira via Flickr.
Before Jesus was born and Portugal even existed, Northern Portugal was booming with human activity. As mentioned, Braga used to be a big Roman city and still boasts many hints of its glorious past.
But Braga isn't the only place in Northern Portugal for archaeology fans...
If you're into ancient cities and ruins, you will fall in love with two other Northern-Portugal cities: Chaves and Marco de Canaveses.
Chaves has an interesting mix of Paleolithic-to-Medieval-time attractions, whereas Marco de Canaveses is the site of the must-visit Archaeologic Area of Freixo, also known as Tongobriga.
9. Amarante
You can get from Porto to Amarante in less than one hour (it sits roughly 60 kilometers away), but the vibe of the two cities is miles apart. Like many other small towns in Northern Portugal, Amarante boasts a unique blend of styles, combining medieval, Roman-time, and even Renaissance-period buildings.
Another river-crossed region, Amarante is the best place to get a nice view of the charming Tâmega River.
Tourist hotspots in Amarante include the Roman-period São Gonçalo Bridge, the huge São Domingos church (which includes a sacred art museum), and Mount Aboboreira, where you can find some traces of prehistoric settlements.
10. Lamego
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios sanctuary in Lamego. Photo by Alexandre Loureiro via Pexels
I remember visiting Lamego and falling in love with its peaceful vibe and welcoming population. Lamego is simultaneously countryside and high-class, with many beautiful farms and gardens (including the lavish Casa Amarela farm) that are worth visiting.
Other Lamego milestones include the Lamego Castle, the Lamego Cathedral, and the Lamego Museum (mainly filled with medieval-time paintings and other examples of sacred art).
11. Peso da Régua (Douro wine region)
Photo: Dannyps, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Out of all the river valleys in the Douro wine region, Peso da Régua, with its numerous small towns, is perhaps the best.
The little-known Caldas de Aregos is one of my favorites: it's a dreamy vacation town with a small port and some of the nicest local folks you'll find in Northern Portugal.
12. Maceda
There's no shortage of lovely beaches in Northern Portugal, but Maceda—sitting in between Vila Nova de Gaia and Ovar—happens to be my favorite. I like the surrounding forest and the fact that visiting Maceda feels like being in the middle of nowhere even though it's only 30 minutes away by car from Porto!
The best way to enjoy Maceda? Set camping in the surrounding forest with some friends and enjoy the view of the ocean at night; it's even better on full moon nights!
13. Montalegre
Photo: Salgueiro, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Montalegre is a small town, but one of the most populous cities near the National Park of Peneda-Gerês. To me, visiting Montalegre is crazy because it feels like traveling back in time—as if I'd just gone back to the '90s!
In addition to feeling nostalgia, Montalegre inspires me to go witch-hunting. Every Friday 13, a massive folk festival takes place in the city, with people dressing up as witches and a series of pagan-like celebrations taking place in the middle of the streets.
14. Vila Real
Barragem Cimeira do Alvão, in the Alvão Natural Park near to Vila Real
Vila Real is one of the must-visit cities in the Trás-os-Montes area, known for its surrounding natural beauty and many college students.
The city is charming enough, but I recommend taking some time to explore the Alvão Natural Park, best known for its idyllic waterfalls and "aldeias de xisto," which are remote small villages that, in most cases, are uninhabited or almost uninhabited.
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15. Chaves
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Beautifully preserved medieval towns aren't exactly a rarity in Northern Portugal, so if that’s something that interests you, the highlight has got to be Chaves, also in Trás-os-Montes. The Castle of Chaves and the Church of Santa Maria Maior are the city's best-known medieval attractions.
Quite old, Chaves also has an interesting Roman heritage, best displayed by the archaeological site of Aquae Flaviae, where you can see the remains of Roman baths. There's also a museum nearby that provides more information about the city's Roman history.
16. Tongobriga Ruins
Photo: Pedro from Maia (Porto), Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Tongobriga site encompasses the remains of an ancient Roman town that flourished from the 1st to the 5th century AD. The ruins include the foundations of various structures, such as houses, public buildings, and temples.
Sitting in Marco de Canaveses, the site also features a museum where you can learn more about Tongobriga's history and view artifacts discovered during excavations, including pottery, sculptures, and other objects that offer a glimpse into daily life in the Roman period.
17. Paiva Walkways
Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Paiva Walkways are a popular and scenic attraction located in the Arouca Geopark. Ever since they were inaugurated in 2015, they have become one of the favorite hiking spots in Northern Portugal. That's pretty unsurprising, as the Paiva Walkways are brilliant both in terms of natural beauty and available infrastructure.
The Paiva Walkways stretch for 8.7 kilometers. The hike is not challenging for most people, but it's not recommended if you have trouble walking or are afraid of heights—the suspended bridge in the middle can be a bit scary sometimes!
18. Vilarinho da Furna
Photo: Daniela Goreti Batista Morence, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vilarinho da Furna is a now-submerged village in northern Portugal that was intentionally flooded in the '70s as part of a dam construction project. The village is located in the Serra Amarela (Yellow Mountain) region of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Most days, people can walk to the margins of the dam and explore some of the submerged buildings on foot. I love sitting there and imagining what life was like in Vilarinho da Furna before an entire town and way of life were submerged underwater.
19. Citânia de Briteiros
Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Northern Portugal region has a rich history and was occupied by many different people and tribes over more than two thousand years. The Citânia de Briteiros, near the city of Guimarães, is yet another archaeological site worth visiting, but it's neither Roman nor medieval.
The Citânia de Briteiros is actually one of the most important and well-preserved Celtic hillforts in Europe and dates back to the Iron Age, with evidence of human occupation from the 9th century BCE to the 1st century CE.
20. Miranda do Douro
Photo: Xoan de Pez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in northeastern Portugal near the border with Spain, Mirando do Douro is a town best known for its unique local dialect: the Mirandese. One of the two official languages in Portugal, the Mirandese is one of the rarest and most exclusive idioms in Europe, and its entire survival rests on the shoulders of a town with less than 8,000 inhabitants!
In addition to the Mirandese, Miranda do Douro is also worth a visit because of its Manueline-style architecture (best displayed by the Miranda Cathedral) and local cuisine. The "posta mirandesa" (which is basically a huge beef) is a must-try!
21. Virtudes Garden (in Porto)
Sitting less than two kilometers away from São Bento, the busiest and most central train station in Porto, the Virtudes Garden is one of my favorite spots in the city.
I have decided to give it a highlight because it represents the best Porto has to offer: it's visited by a well-balanced mix of locals and curious tourists, has yet another stunning view of the Douro River, and is filled with affordable bars and restaurants.
The best time to visit is during sunset. Don't be afraid to sit on the grass and mingle with the locals: the Virtudes Garden is a party spot where it sometimes feels like everybody knows everybody.
Nightlife and festivals (in Porto)
Northern Portugal is no Miami, but visitors who like to go out at night, dance with the locals, and maybe have one drink too many won't be disappointed.
The best place to go out in Northern Portugal is (by far) the city of Porto. The Galerias de Paris streets, in the center, are the busiest nightlife destination for tourists, but there are many other bars and clubs worth visiting.
As a bonafide music fan, I find that Porto has a great offering of live shows at the weekend, as well as many special places to enjoy some well-curated electronic dance music—the almighty techno "sanctuary" Gare Club being the best.
Another great thing about Northern Portugal (and Portugal in general) is the excellent offering of music festivals.
In the summer, check out the famous Primavera Sound Festival in Porto, the dreamy Festival Paredes de Coura in the same-named village, and the always-wild NEOPOP Festival in Viana do Castelo (for techno-house fans).
In the winter, the electronic music festivals SEMIBREVE (in Braga) and Mucho Flow (in Guimarães) are both incredibly hip, vastly eclectic, and surprisingly fun.
And because no guide to Northern Portugal would ever be complete without a reference to São João, keep in mind that booking your vacation for the weekend of the 24th of June is always a good idea!
Mainly prevalent in Porto and Braga, São João is a massive, centuries-old street party in which everybody comes together to eat and drink, light-up traditional São João balloons, and affectionately smash each other's head with a plastic hammer (no, I'm not kidding)!
Restaurants to try throughout Northern Portugal
I know it sounds biased when I say Northern Portugal has the best food in the world. But that doesn't mean it's not true! Veggies may be disappointed when entering most Northern Portugal restaurants, but if you enjoy eating high-quality meat and fish without paying a fortune, you'll feel like you're in heaven.
So, where should you go to eat in Northern Portugal? The short answer is... Everywhere! Here are some of my top recommendations, going from the most typical to the most elegant restaurants:
Caçana (Viana do Castelo)
The Café Caçana is a treasure of the Viana do Castelo region and a little-known secret even to Portuguese locals. It's the kind of place where you can sit, eat and drink for hours on end, and pay close to nothing.
The downside is that you definitely need a car to get there, but don't let that deprive you of this unforgettable experience.
Velhos Tempos (Braga)
In the church-filled city of Braga, the Velhos Tempos restaurant has a sacred aura of its own. There, you'll find a mouthwatering menu with all of the best things Portugal has to offer, including the most incredible Carne de Porco à Alentejana I have ever tasted in my life.
Divina Gula (Guimarães)
Despite being rooted in meat, Northern-Portugal cuisine can be sweet too. To taste the best local sweets, my recommendation is Divina Gula, in Guimarães. This small shop is a place where the old and new meet and where sugary treats are far from lacking.
MITO (Porto)
Okay, enough with the typical local dining experiences! Northern Portugal (and Porto in particular) is also home to a nice selection of haute-cuisine restaurants, and MITO is perhaps my favorite. Eating at this trendy restaurant will cost you something in the line of 50€ per person, but it's totally worth it!
What do I love about MITO? The fact that they always change their menu and that, despite having very sophisticated food, are always welcoming and unpretentious.
Northern Portugal itineraries - from 5 days to 2 weeks
5-day itinerary - introduction to the region
With just five days to get to know Northern Portugal, there's no time to lose! Try to do as many things as possible on your first day in Porto and explore the second-best cities in the following days.
Day 1: Porto: Visit the Luís I Bridge, spend the afternoon at the Crystal Palace gardens, and try a traditional Francesinha for dinner.
Day 2: Guimarães and Ponte de Lima: Take a kayaking tour at the Lima River (Ponte de Lima) before enjoying the charming historic center of Guimarães by foot.
Day 3: Braga: Visit the Tibães Monastery and spend the afternoon at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Day 4: Viana do Castelo: Relax at the Vila Praia de Âncora and Afife beaches.
Day 5: Vila Nova de Gaia: Go for a wine tour and spend some time at the lovely Maceda beach.
One-week itinerary - cities and beaches
You have one week to spend in Northern Portugal, so take your time getting to know Porto before exploring the other cities. Spend the last two days of your vacation enjoying the beaches in Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Gaia.
For a detailed itinerary, check out our 7-day North Portugal itinerary.
Day 1: Porto: Visit the Luís I Bridge, spend the afternoon at the Crystal Palace gardens, and try a traditional Francesinha for dinner.
Day 2: Porto: Explore the Ribeira, visit the beautiful Serralves museum, and enjoy dinner at MITO followed by a cocktail at Torto.
Day 3: Guimarães and Ponte de Lima: Take a kayaking tour at the Lima River (Ponte de Lima) before enjoying the charming historic center of Guimarães by foot.
Day 4: Vila Real: Explore the city center and visit natural attractions such as the Pincães waterfall and the Alvão Natural Park.
Day 5: Braga: Visit the Tibães Monastery and spend the afternoon at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Day 6: Viana do Castelo: Relax at the Vila Praia de Âncora and Afife beaches.
Day 7: Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto: Go for a wine tour at Vila Nova de Gaia before kissing goodbye to Northern Portugal with a sunset beer at Virtudes Garden.
10-day itinerary - getting off the beaten path
Ten days is enough to get a full glimpse of what Northern Portugal is like, and you even have time to camp in the Peneda-Gerês National Park! The medieval city of Chaves sits quite far away from the coast, but with a 10-day stay, it's definitely worth a visit.
Day 1: Porto: Visit the Luís I Bridge, spend the afternoon at the Crystal Palace gardens, and try a traditional Francesinha for dinner.
Day 2: Porto: Explore the Ribeira, visit the beautiful Serralves museum, and enjoy dinner at MITO followed by a cocktail at Torto.
Day 3: Braga: Visit the Tibães Monastery and spend the afternoon at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Day 4-6: Peneda-Gerês National Park: Take some time off to camp near Pisões, go for a nature hike, and pass by the small town of Montalegre.
Day 7: Chaves: Visit the Chaves Castle, have a drink next to the Trajano Bridge, and pay a visit to the Nadir Afonso Museum.
Day 8: Guimarães and Ponte de Lima: Take a kayaking tour at the Lima River (Ponte de Lima) before enjoying the charming historic center of Guimarães by foot.
Day 9: Viana do Castelo: Relax at the Vila Praia de Âncora and Afife beaches.
Day 10: Vila Nova de Gaia: Go for a wine tour and spend some time at the lovely Maceda beach.
Two-week itinerary - the complete Northern Portugal experience
It would take a lifetime to really get to know all of Northern Portugal, but you sure can do and see a lot of things in just two weeks, especially if you're okay with moving around a lot. You can take your time to explore Porto, camp in the mountains, and spend three relaxing days at the Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Gaia beaches.
Day 1: Porto: Visit the Luís I Bridge, spend the afternoon at the Crystal Palace gardens, and try a traditional Francesinha for dinner.
Day 2: Porto: Explore the Ribeira, visit the beautiful Serralves museum, and enjoy dinner at MITO followed by a cocktail at Torto.
Day 3: Braga: Visit the Tibães Monastery and spend the afternoon at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Day 4-7: Peneda-Gerês National Park: Take some time off to camp near Pisões, go for a nature hike, and pass by the small town of Montalegre.
Day 8: Chaves: Visit the Chaves Castle, have a drink next to the Trajano Bridge, and pay a visit to the Nadir Afonso Museum.
Day 9: Vila Real: Explore the city center and visit natural attractions such as the Pincães waterfall and the Alvão Natural Park.
Day 10: Guimarães and Ponte de Lima: Take a kayaking tour at the Lima River (Ponte de Lima) before enjoying the charming historic center of Guimarães by foot.
Day 11-14: Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Gaia (beaches): Enjoy the sun at the Vila Praia de Âncora and Afife beaches (Viana do Castelo) and at the Maceda beach (Vila Nova de Gaia).
Day 15: Marco de Canaveses and Porto: Visit the Tongobriga ruins and kiss goodbye to Northern Portugal with a sunset beer at Virtudes Garden.
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Leonor Tito
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Hi, I'm Leonor, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Portugal for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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